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HOLIDAY MUSIC AND COMEDY 2018

Ronnie Spector will present annual holiday show at City Winery on December 22

Hanukkah is about to start and Christmas is only a few weeks away, so the city is filling up with holiday-themed comedy shows, concerts, and special events. They range from classical performances at the Met and Carnegie Hall to hip-hop, soul, and rock extravaganzas at smaller clubs to Jewish takes on the season. Below is a sampling of some of the cooler events; keep watching this space for more additions.

Sunday, December 2
Hanukkah Family Day, art, music, and more for children ages three and up, with Josh & the Jamtones, Jeff Hopkins, Jewish Museum, free with museum admission (children eighteen and under free), 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday, December 2
through
Sunday, December 9
The 8 Nights of Hanukkah with Yo La Tengo, Bowery Ballroom, $40, 7:30

Monday, December 3
Tenth Annual Latke Festival, benefiting the Sylvia Center, Brooklyn Museum, $75-$120, 6:00

Holiday Cheer for FUV, with John Prine, the Lone Bellow, and Shannon Shaw, Beacon Theatre, $90.50 – $301, 8:00

Elon Gold and Modi: A Hanukkah Miracle, with Sherrod Small and Talia Reese, Stand Up NY, $20-$40, 8:00 & 9:45

Thursday, December 6
Festival of Light w/ Matisyahu and special guests the Soul Rebels and GRiZ plus friends, Brooklyn Steel, $30-$35, 8:00

The Cecilia Chorus of New York will perform Handel’s Messiah at Carnegie Hall on December 8

Saturday, December 8
The Cecilia Chorus of New York with Orchestra: HANDEL Messiah, with soprano Shakèd Bar, tenor Michael St. Peter, bass William Guanbo Su, and countertenor Nicholas Tamagna, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, $25-$85, 8:00

Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays, benefit for True Colors Fund, with Amanda Palmer, Angie Stone, A$AP Rocky, Bebe Rexha, Bishop Briggs, Charlie Musselwhite, Dr. Elmo, Gina Yashere, Natalie Merchant, Regina Spektor, Robert Glasper, Sara Ramirez, Shea Diamond, and the Knocks, hosted by Carson Kressley, Beacon Theatre, $50-$150, 8:00

Sunday, December 9
For the Miracles: A Holiday Celebration, with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City performing Samuel Adler’s The Flames of Freedom and Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols, conducted by Elizabeth Núñez, Met Fifth Ave., Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium, $65 (bring a child for $1), 3:00

Holiday Concert, featuring Scandinavian and American holiday favorites and Saint Lucia procession with traditional gowns and glowing candles, with members of the Swedish Church Choir in New York, Scandinavia House, $25, 5:00

The 12th Annual Menorah Horah Hanukkah Burlesque Show, with the Schlep Sisters (Minnie Tonka and Darlinda Just Darlinda), Sapphire Jones, Zoe Ziegfeld, the Great Dubini, Allegra, host Bastard Keith, DJ Momotaro, Rara Darling, and Madame Brassiere, Highline Ballroom, $25-$50, 8:00

Friday, December 14
Yule Dogs: A Very Mercury Christmas, with Wormburner, Christopher John Campion with Mad Staggers, and special guests Lifeguard Nights, Mercury Lounge, $12-$15, 7:00

Sunday, December 16
Unsilent Night, participatory boombox concert with Phil Kline, Washington Square Park, free, 6:00

Ingrid Michaelson’s twelfth annual Holiday Hop takes place at the Beacon on December 17

Monday, December 17
Ingrid Michaelson’s Twelfth Annual Holiday Hop, Beacon Theatre, $44.50 – $64.50, 8:00

Oratorio Society of New York: HANDEL Messiah, conducted by Kent Tritle, with soprano Leslie Fagan, countertenor Daniel Moody, tenor Isaiah Bell, bass-baritone Joseph Beutel, and the Chorus and Orchestra of the Society, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, $28-$100, 8:00

Tuesday, December 18
KTU Holiday House Party w/ Why Don’t We, Highline Ballroom, $10 (proceeds benefit Cookies for Kids Cancer), 6:00

Saturday, December 22
Ronnie Spector & the Ronettes: Best Christmas Party Ever!, City Winery, $55-$75, 8:00

Sunday, December 23
Christmas Ball — A Merry Evening of Opera, Operetta, and Christmas Songs: Talents of the World Festival at Carnegie Hall, with bass William Meinert, baritone David Gvinianidze, baritone Oleksandr Kyreiev, tenor Arsen Soghomonyan, soprano Ruslana Koval, soprano Tamar Iveri, soprano Olga Lisovskaya, and the winner of the Talents of the World International Competition, Zankel Hall, $65-$95, 7:00

Monday, December 24
A Very Jewish Christmas, with Marion Grodin, James Goff, Sam Morril, Jared Freid, and others, Gotham Comedy Club, $25, 7:00 & 9:00

Tuesday, January 1
Ninth Annual New Year’s Day w/ Joseph Arthur & Lee Ranaldo, City Winery, $20-$28, 8:00

LEWIS BLACK: THE JOKE’S ON US

Lewis Black is back for a one-night-only performance at City Winery

Who: Lewis Black
What: The Joke’s on Us tour
Where: City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555
When: Thursday, March 15, $135 – $225, 8:00 (tickets on sale March 7 at 3:00)
Why: Angry comic Lewis Black has a lot to be angry about these days, perhaps more than ever, so he’s on the road with his latest tour, “The Joke’s on Us,” which makes its only New York stop March 15 at City Winery. Tickets go on sale March 7 at 3:00 to the general public, but the prices are fairly steep to see the DC-born standup comic, actor, author, and Daily Show contributor: It will cost you $135 for a stool, $175 for a reserved seat, $200 for premier seating, and $225 for the VIP treatment. Of course, Black, who is now based in New York City and North Carolina, is always worth the price of admission; we saw him once in conversation at the Rubin with anger-management specialist Dr. Robert Allan as part of the museum’s Brainwave Festival and it was a riot.

HOLIDAY MUSIC AND COMEDY 2017

It’s not Christmas in New York until Darlene Love comes to town

Hanukkah is under way and Christmas is right around the corner, so the city is filled with holiday-themed comedy shows and concerts. They range from classical performances at the Met and Carnegie Hall to hip-hop, soul, and rock extravaganzas at smaller clubs to Jewish takes on the season. Below is a sampling of some of the cooler events; keep watching this space for more additions.

Thursday, December 14
Ingrid Michaelson’s Eleventh Annual Holiday Hop, with Ingrid Michaelson and a Great Big World, Terminal 5, $40, 8:00

The Fire & Ice Hanukkah Celebration!, with fire dancers, fire breathers, poi juggling, live musical performances, Israeli music with DJ Adidor, glow in the dark madness, Hanukkah video art installations, Hanukkah drink specials, chocolate dessert bar, sufganiyot, and more, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $40, 8:00

Thursday, December 14
through
Saturday, December 16
The 38th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration, with the Paul Winter Consort and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., $40-$150

Thursday, December 14
through
Tuesday, December 19
The Eight Nights of Hanukkah with Yo La Tengo, with Yo La Tengo and special guests, Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St., $40, 8:30

Friday, December 15
Christmas with Aaron Neville, B. B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd St., 212-997-4144, $69.50-$75, 8:00

An Acoustic Christmas w/ Over the Rhine, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $29.50-$55, 8:00

Sunday, December 17
Natasha’s Christmas Spirit Brunch Show, with Matt Koplik, Danny Caraballo, Brian Klimowski, Hallie Brevetti, Sophie Bell, Abby Goldfarb, and Alexandria Grace Williams, hosted by Natasha Edwards, benefiting the HAVE Foundation (Honduras Agalta Valley Education), Stand Up NY, 236 West 78th St., $20, 2:00

Unsilent Night, participatory boombox concert with Phil Kline, Washington Square Park, free, 6:00

Monday, December 18
Oratorio Society of New York: HANDEL Messiah, conducted by Kent Tritle, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, $28-$100, 8:00

Wednesday, December 20
Holidelic feat. Everett Bradley, with special guest Dr. Elmo, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $30-$60, 8:00

SING! An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty and Friends, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, $15-$130, 8:00

New York Baroque Incorporated: Baroque Holiday Music and Dance, led by Robert Mealy, with dancers Caroline Copeland and Carlos Fittante, featuring suites by Rameau, Lully, Purcell, and Handel, the Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Ave., $65 (includes same-day museum admission), 7:00

Ronnie Spector will celebrate the best Christmas ever at City Winery

Ronnie Spector will celebrate the annual best Christmas ever at City Winery

Wednesday, December 20
and
Thursday, December 21
Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Party Ever! with Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes, City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555, $35-$75, 8:00

Thursday, December 21
through
Saturday, December 23
A Darlene Love Christmas: Love for the Holidays, B. B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd St., 212-997-4144, $45, 8:00

cirque saturdays

Friday, December 22
Raheem DeVaughn & Friends Annual Holiday Concert 2017, feat. Doug E Fresh, Lil Mo, Ro James, Beanie Sigel, MC Lyte, Raheem DeVaughn, and the CrossRhodes, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $35-$69.50, 8:00

Saturday, December 23
Rhett Miller’s Fifth Annual Holiday Extravaganza feat. Jen Kirkman, Janeane Garofalo, and other special guests, City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555, $25-$35, 8:00

Cirque Saturdays Presents: The Naughty List — A Christmas Spectacular, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $20, 11:00

Yo B, It’s Xmas feat. Nyck Caution, Lauriana Mae, with Michael Medium, LiveLikeDavis, DJ Shawn G, and DJ Surge, Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston St., $12, 11:59 pm

Sunday, December 24
A Very Jewish Christmas, with Brad Trackman, Ophira Eisenberg, Jared Freid, Jon Fisch and others, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd St., 212-367-9000, $25, 7:00 & 9:00

The Jew(ish) Show, with Jared Freid, Marion Grodin, Myq Kaplan, and Talia Reese, Stand Up NY, 236 West 78th St., $20, 8:00

City Winery & Joel Chasnoff Present: Christmas Eve for the Jews, with Jessica Kirson, Phil Hanley, and more, City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555, $25-$60, 8:00

Monday, December 25
Oy Vey Festival w/ Soulfarm, featuring Kosha Dillz, Zalman Krause, Meir Kay, and Chillent, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $20-$49.99, 8:00

I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT

bright lights tonight

Who: Mary Fahl, Liz Tormes, Cassandra Jenkins, Hannah Read, Joy Askew, Oren Bloedow, Adam Minkoff, Glenn Patscha, Steven Bernstein and Sex Mob Horns, Matt Johnson, David Mansfield, Mark Marshall, Katie Scheele, Matt Darriau, more to be announced
What: All-star performance of Richard and Linda Thompson’s I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight album
Where: City Winery, 155 Varick St. between Spring & Vandam Sts., 212-608-0555
When: Monday, February 27, $25-$35, 8:00
Why: In 1974, former Fairport Conventioneer Richard Thompson and singer Linda Thompson (née Peters) helped redefine British folk rock with the classic album I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight, consisting of such stand-out Richard originals as “The Calvary Cross,” “Withered and Died,” “Down Where the Drunkards Roll,” “The Great Valerio,” and the rollicking title track, in which the Thompsons proclaim, “Meet me at the station, don’t be late / I need to spend some money and it just won’t wait / Take me to the dance and hold me tight / I want to see the bright lights tonight.” On February 27, you can meet up at City Winery as an all-star lineup performs the record in its entirety, along with other numbers from the Thompsons’ canon, which came to an abrupt end in 1982 with the ultimate breakup album, Shoot Out the Lights. The event is organized by Canadian composer, producer, musician, and Ollabelle founder Glenn Patscha and will feature members of such groups as the October Project, Elysian Fields, and the Doyle Bramhall Band in addition to veterans of Bob Dylan, St. Vincent, Glen Hansard, and more. It’s only fitting that the show is taking place at City Winery, where Richard Thompson has played many times. In fact, a few years ago we were at one of Richard’s shows at City Winery when I had to ask the woman in front of me, who was enthusiastically singing along to the songs, if she could stop leaning so far forward, as she was blocking my view. My jaw dropped as she turned to me and sincerely apologized. “I’m so sorry. I’ve certainly seen him enough over the years, having lived with him,” Linda Thompson told me, sitting back in her seat.

TICKET ALERT: THE MUSIC OF ARETHA FRANKLIN (AND LIVE REHEARSAL SHOW)

the music of aretha franklin

Who: Kenny Loggins, Melissa Etheridge, Rhiannon Giddens, Bettye LaVette, Allen Stone, Glen Hansard, Taj Mahal & Deva Mahal, Living Colour, G. Love, Sarah Dash, Sam Moore, Ledisi, Todd Rundgren, Ceelo Green, Naomi Shelton, Richard Thompson, and Antibalas
What: Fundraising tribute to Aretha Franklin
Where: Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, 57th St. & Seventh Ave., 212-247-7800
When: Monday, March 6, $48-$160, 8:00 (Live Rehearsal Show March 5 at City Winery, $40-$65, 8:00)
Why: Legendary R&B singer Aretha Franklin just announced her retirement from touring (she will still record at least one more album, with Stevie Wonder), so “The Music of Aretha Franklin” tribute being held March 6 at Carnegie Hall couldn’t be much more timely. City Winery owner Michael Dorf’s “Music of” celebrations, benefits for numerous music education programs for underprivileged youth, in the past have honored such musicians as Prince, the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, the Who, R.E.M., Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, and Bob Dylan; this year an all-star lineup pays R.E.S.P.E.C.T. to the Memphis-born soul superstar who will turn seventy-five on March 25; her #1 hits include “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” “Jump to It,” “Freeway of Love,” and, of course, “Respect.” In addition, on March 5, City Winery will be hosting the annual Live Rehearsal Show, in which many of the artists performing at the Carnegie Hall show will rehearse in front of an audience, led by house band Antibalas.

HOLIDAY MUSIC, COMEDY, AND THEATER

Ronnie Spector will celebrate the best Christmas ever at City Winery

New York City has tons of special programs during the holiday season, some well known and annual traditions, others more cutting edge and unique. Below is only a handful of seasonal recommendations, several of which are likely not to be on most people’s radar. Keep checking this space as more Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations are added.

Wednesday, December 14
Ingrid Michaelson’s 10th Annual Holiday Hop, with Sugar and the Hi Lows, Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St., $40, 9:00

Kevin Geeks Out About Holiday Specials, with Kevin Maher, Erin Farrell, Wendy Mays, Paul Murphy, and Steve Flack, Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Ave. between Berry St. & Wythe Ave.$16, 9:30

Thursday, December 15
The Menorah: From the Bible to Modern Israel, with Steven Fine, Met Fifth Ave., Bonnie J. Sacerdote Lecture Hall, Uris Center for Education, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd St., free with museum admission, 3:00

The Oh Hellos Present: The Oh Hellos Christmas Extravaganza, with Tyler and Maggie Heath, Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North Sixth St., $20-$22, 9:00

Thursday, December 15
through
Saturday, December 17
The 37th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration, with the Paul Winter Consort (soprano saxophonist Paul Winter, cellist Eugene Friesen, double-reed player Paul McCandless, keyboardist Paul Sullivan, bassist Eliot Wadopian, drummer Jamey Haddad, organist Tim Brumfield, Procol Harum singer Gary Brooker, and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. at 112th St., $35-$95

Friday, December 16, 23
Holiday Music in Gilbert Court, A Renaissance Christmas with My Lord Chamberlain’s Consort, Morgan Library, 225 Madison Ave. at 36th St., free with museum admission, 6:30

Saturday, December 17
Brandenburgers Holiday Concert, with the Brooklyn Brandenburgers performing music by Bach, Corelli, Dvorak, Glickman, Ostyn, and Piazzolla, Old Stone House, 336 Third St. in Washington Park, $10, 2:00 & 7:00

Karen Luschar Sings “Mistletoe and Holly,” New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Bruno Walter Auditorium, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, free, 2:30

Saturday, December 17
Friday, December 23
Monday, December 26
A Darlene Love Christmas: Love for the Holidays, B. B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd St., $45-$82.50

Sunday, December 18
Latkepalooza!, with food, music, and family-friendly activities, Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Pl., $10, 10:00 am

Hanukkah Family Day, Jewish Museum, Scheuer Auditorium, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., free with museum admission, 12 noon – 4:00 pm

Karina Posborg is one of many filmmakers screening their Yule Log shorts at BRIC

Monday, December 19
Yule Log 2.016, fifty short films, the Stoop at BRIC Arts | Media House, 647 Fulton St., free, 1:00 – 6:00

Harmony for Peace Holiday Peace Concert, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, 881 Seventh Ave. between 56th & 57th Sts., $21-$100, 8:00

Tuesday, December 20
MetLiveArts: The Little Match Girl Passion, directed by Rachel Chavkin and starring Ekmeles, Met Breuer lobby, 945 Madison Ave. at 75th St., $65, 7:00

Tuesday, December 20
and
Wednesday, December 21
Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Party Ever!, City Winery, 155 Varick St. between Spring & Vandam Sts., $55-$75, 8:00

Thursday, December 22
and
Friday, December 23
Yule Shul vs. Nutcracker: Rated R — A Love Show Holiday Extravaganza, (le) poisson rouge, 158 Bleecker St. between Thompson & Sullivan Sts., $15-$35, 8:00

christmas-for-the-jews

Thursday, December 22
through
Saturday, December 24
Merry Hanukkah with Judy Gold, Carolines on Broadway, 1626 Broadway between 49th & 50th Sts., $32.75

Saturday, December 24
A Very Jewish Christmas, with Modi, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd St. between Seventh & 8th Aves., $25, 7:00 & 9:00

Sunday, December 25
Christmas for the Jews, with Joel Chasnoff, Dan Naturman, Cory Kahaney, and more, City Winery, 155 Varick St. between Spring & Vandam Sts., $25, 8:00

Friday, December 30
Kwanzaa 2016: Songs for the Soul, with Ruben Studdard, Dr. Linda H. Humes, and students from the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music, American Museum of Natural History, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, Central Park West at 79th St., free with museum admission, 12 noon & 3:00

ERIC BURDON AND THE ANIMALS

Eric Burdon spills the hippie blues at City Winery (photo by twi-ny/mdr)

City Winery
155 Varick St. between Spring & Vandam Sts.
Monday, August 8, and Tuesday, August 9, $85-$125, 8:00
212-608-0555
www.citywinery.com
www.ericburdon.com

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Burdon let the hippie blues flow Monday night at City Winery, where he and the latest iteration of the Animals performed the first of two intimate shows to a delighted audience. Burdon, who recently turned seventy-five, might not have the same vocal range that he displayed back during the British Invasion, but he is still one of the best song interpreters of his generation. Over the course of his fifteen-song set, he told stories about Nina Simone, Lead Belly, Bo Diddley, and the Monterey Pop Festival while playing a show heavy with hits, several of which featured expanded arrangements. He and his crack band, consisting of guitarist Johnzo West, keyboardist Davey Allen, bassist Justin Andres, saxophonist Ruben Salinas, trombonist Evan Mackey, and drummer Dustin Koester, opened with a funky version of “Spill the Wine” — preferably not the Eric Burdon Cabernet Sauvignon that City Winery was selling for the occasion — followed by a string of classics, including “See See Rider,” “When I Was Young,” “Monterey,” and “Don’t Bring Me Down.” Burdon then paid tribute to Elias McDaniel, better known as Bo Diddley, with “Bo Diddley Special,” from his fine 2013 album, ’Til Your River Runs Dry. “I was given this gift without asking,” Burdon sings. As the evening went on, his gift was ever more in evidence, performing a stirring version of Lead Belly’s “In the Pines,” then picking up power as he brought the house down with “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “The House of the Rising Sun,” and a massive “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” that finally got the somewhat reserved, older crowd shaking and grooving, which reached its apex with the encores, a defiant “It’s My Life,” with Burdon declaring that “he ain’t no saint, no complaints,” then concluding with Sam & Dave’s “Hold on, I’m Comin’.” Watching Eric Burdon in 2016, more than fifty years after the Animals first invaded America and the pop charts, still fills you with rebellious spirit; when everyone in the audience screams out together, “It’s my life and I’ll do what I want / It’s my mind and I’ll think what I want,” you feel like anything is possible. And at least for one night, it was. (Alberta Cross leader Petter Ericson Stakee opened up with a solo set that never had a chance over the rudely chattering crowd.)